Recently retired elem teacher wants to start small home group school how ?

Question

I am fully capable but have followed the normal routes and it doesn't seem to be working, anyone done this ?" I just want to home school a few elem kids, preferrably beg. readers etc. I had the highest test scored every year in my school and am a good teacher, Christian with good morals, and I tend to start what I do from scratch. I"ve tried a few avenues and ????

Answer 1

Our large homeschool co-op has several retired, and active (university) teachers who teach. The pay is not great, but it could open up other tutoring activities for you.

So I'd check to see if any co-ops need teachers and start there.

Answer 2

From my experience, homeschoolers do the vast majority of their own teaching at the elementary level. They look for special help mainly in foreign language, science, math, art and music. Typically the people I know are not looking for a school or a teacher to do the job for them, they are looking for a once a week (or less) class in a specialty. The classes typically cost about $8-$10 per student/per class and generally have less than 10 kids in them.

This is in NJ, which is a pretty pricey area for activities. I don't know where you are, but I would imagine other areas would be less willing to pay that much per class. (just a guess)

If I were you I'd think of what skill set you have to offer for the type of class I mention above, and advertise on Yahoogroups for your area, at the local libraries for your county and by meeting and talking to homeschoolers. It is quite possible a book discussion group or reading assistance would be desirable, you'd have to try and get the information out there and see what response you get.

Being Christian really isn't a benefit around here, homeschoolers in this area are varied in their religious beliefs (if they have them at all), and most are not interested in having someone else teach their children that subject.

Just my two cents worth of advice. Good luck to you!

Answer 3

You might try joining a local co-op (many co-ops are Christian organizations) and make sure this is the avenue you want to take. If you have kids, they could take classes and you could probably be a teacher's assistant (I understand your qualifications are higher than that, but it might be worth it to get a true taste of how co-op's are run, etc...) The next year, if you still feel led to do so, you might be able to start something yourself. You can also ask the local homeschool co-op if you can still apply to teach a class. I know one of our local (Dallas area) co-ops had a submission deadline back in the Spring.. so it could very well be too late to teach for the 07-08 school year. But you never know how things may open up- if God wants you somewhere- He will make it happen.
God Bless.

Answer 4

Why don't you apply for grants and start a formal tutoring center.

I had a friend who once got $35,000 to teach art at the LA Department of Parks and Recreations once a week.

Then you advertise yourself. You'll probably need a business license and you should try and get a 501(c) non-proft status and then you can write part of your home off on your taxes.

Or you can rent commercial space.

You can even employ other teachers to help out parttime.

Answer 5

You would really be running a private school. Most people aren't going to be interested in having some stranger 'homeschool' their child in their home. Try the private school angle, if possible where you live. You'll find more people interested in sending their children to a very small private school or full-time private tutoring than if you call it homeschooling. All because of the stigma against the word "homeschooling".

Answer 6

Every teaching co-op I have been involved in requires you to be a member of the group, and to be a member of the group you must be homeschooling at least one of your children, which would eliminate you.
It would have to be extremely special circumstances for a co-op to invite you in, and it would probably require a vote of the membership to change the rules for you. Not likely to happen.
Others have pointed it out, homeschooling is about families learning together, and not necessarily relying on others to teach their children. Even if you run in to a situation where a child is struggling in a subject, homeschooling allows parents the freedom to slow down until the child masters the concept.
Since you are wanting to work with elementary age students, I have to say, that is the most exciting time in homeschooling, and most parents are not going to want to give that up.
If you desire to tutor children, your best avenue would be to take that approach: tutoring. Maybe talk to the principal at the local elementary school about helping out with their afterschool program, get to know your local librarian, she can connect you with families that need help. you local rec center may be interested in starting an afterschool tutoring/homework helps program, which, if successful, could be extended to a homework helps during the day which would cater to homeschool families.
You may need to volunteer your time at first, then offer to meet for one on one by appointment, and fee.
But don't overcharge. "Professional" tutoring places charge way too much for the average homeschool family to afford.
Keep it simple, get to know people in your community, especially those that work with children: principals, afterschool program directors..., be willing to volunteer your time, print up some cards, roll up your sleeves and get after it.

Answer 7

Check out this site. It might help.